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You’ve put in the late nights, the weekends and the hustle. What may have started as a way to earn extra income has grown into something with real potential. If you handle everything on your own — logistics, production, marketing, finances and more — you’re part of a growing group of entrepreneurs known as “solopreneurs.”
While the traditional image of a small business includes an owner and a staff, many entrepreneurs find that solopreneurship best fits their goals, flexibility and business model. If you’re considering the solopreneur path, or already running your own operation, JPMorganChase offers five practical tips to help you grow your business in 2026.
- Identify or solidify your business opportunity
Whether you’re launching a new venture or refining an existing one, start by identifying a clear need in San Francisco or developing an idea that offers real value. This might be a service that helps people save time or a product that simplifies daily life.
Once you have a concept, preparation is key. Research industry trends to determine whether your idea fills a niche or meets a growing demand. Focus on long-term potential by understanding your total addressable market, not just short-term or seasonal success.
- Create or refine your business plan
A business plan doesn’t have to be lengthy, but it should be clear. Start with a concise business description that outlines your mission, goals and strategy. Include a competitive analysis, marketing approach and basic financial projections.
If you’re already operating, evaluate your customer base. Do customers return? Do they refer others? A steady and growing audience is a strong indicator that your business is ready to scale beyond a side hustle.
- Maximize savings to support growth
Many solopreneurs use personal savings to get started, while others rely on business lines of credit or small business loans to fund equipment, marketing or expansion. Regardless of how you begin, consistent saving can help create long-term stability.
One option for self-employed business owners is the Solo 401(k) from JPMorganChase, designed for owners without full-time employees other than a spouse. This plan allows high annual contributions — up to $72,000 for yourself and your spouse — with both pre-tax and Roth options.
Consistency matters. Chase data shows that while Solo 401(k)s are popular among self-employed individuals, about 70% didn’t contribute in the past year. Setting up automatic monthly contributions or scheduling regular check-ins with a financial advisor can help build sustainable habits that strengthen long-term results.
Additional funding options may include angel investors, who often provide early-stage capital in exchange for ownership, or crowdfunding. With the right product and strategy, crowdfunding can generate smaller contributions from a large audience while helping you connect with potential customers early.
- Develop your marketing and brand strategy
A strong brand helps customers understand who you are and why you matter. Define your brand voice, value proposition and ideal audience. Then choose marketing channels that align with your goals, such as social media, email marketing or paid advertising.
As you build a marketing budget, consider costs for tools, ads and outsourced services like graphic design or content creation. Start small, track results and invest more in what works. Networking is also essential. Building relationships with mentors and other entrepreneurs can provide guidance, referrals and new opportunities.
- Plan for growth and operations
Growth requires planning beyond sales. Consider logistics such as order fulfillment, customer service, scheduling and project management. Investing in the right tools can streamline operations, save time and improve the customer experience.
Self-employment also brings new tax responsibilities, including quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment tax. Depending on your industry, you may need to collect and remit sales tax, sometimes across multiple states.
While many solopreneurs operate as sole proprietors, scaling up may mean exploring a more formal business structure. An LLC is common, but the best choice depends on your long-term goals, liability concerns and compliance requirements. You may also need licenses, permits, insurance or contracts before expanding.
If you’re ready to take your solo business to the next level, your local financial institution can offer guidance and resources. You can also connect with a Chase business banker for personalized support.
Disclosure
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed may differ from the official policies or positions of JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and do not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Products and strategies described may not be suitable for everyone. Consult appropriate professionals before making business or financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Deposit products are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
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